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LTC Merlin L. McKone
Born: 2/12/1923
Died: 1/5/2016
Age: 92
Community: Flint, MI
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McKONE, LTC Merlin L. – Died at Reverence Hospice.
He was born on a farm near New Lothrop, MI on February 12, 1923, son of Alfred McKone and Verna Alderman McKone. He graduated from New Lothrop High School in 1940, then worked for Buick Motor Company.
In November, 1942, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps., completing pilot training on March 12, 1944. Merlin married Bernice Morris on March 18, 1944 in Flint, MI, and was married for 62 wonderful years.
He then flew a B-24 from Hamilton Field, CA, across the Atlantic to Italy, where he completed 50 missions in Germany, Italy, Greece, Hungary, Romania, Austria and Czechoslovakia.
He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and five Air Medals. Merlin then flew a B-24 back across the Atlantic to Bradley Field in Connecticut, arriving on June 6, 1945, where he joined the Army Air Force Reserve, retiring in 1969 as Lt. Colonel. He worked in trucking for 35 years, retiring in 1982, then spending 20 years wintering in Ft. Myers, FL and Gulf Shores, AL, volunteering much of his time in both Michigan and Florida.
Merlin owned and flew his own airplanes, traveling, hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Mundy Presbyterian Church, Grand Blanc Masonic Lodge #571, Linden Eastern Stars #175, Yankee Air Force in Oscoda, MI and Elf Khurafeh Shrine (active clowning of 16 years).
Visitation will be at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road from 2-8 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 9, 2016, Reverend Don Neuville officiating.
Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery with a military graveside service under the auspices of Chevrolet Motor Post #3087 Honor Guard.
He is survived by two wonderful daughters, Cheryl Roat (Darrol) and Sharon Honea;
four grandsons, Ken Miller (Tracy) of Laingsburg,
Kelly Miller (Debbie) of Swartz Creek,
Chris Honea (Debbie) of Grand Blanc and
Jason Honea (Candace) of Kalamazoo;
as well as 8 great-grandchildren.
Also surviving is brother, Laurel McKone of Iverness, FL;
sisters-in-law, Charlotte Ranger, of Burton, MI and Millie McKone of Flint, MI.
Donations may be given to Mundy Presbyterian Church or the Shriner Children’s Hospital in Chicago, IL.
Your condolences may be shared with the family at www.swartzfuneralhomeinc.com
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| Visitation |
| Date: |
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1/8/2016 |
| Time: |
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2:00 PM |
| Visitation will be at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road from 2-8 p.m. Friday, January 8, 2016 and 10 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 9, 2016. |
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| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
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1/9/2016 |
| Time: |
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11:00 AM |
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| Location: |
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Swartz Funeral Home & Cremation Center
1225 West Hill Road
Flint, MI 48507Get a Map to this location...
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| Official: |
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